Project Description

What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?

CBD is one of over 80+ compounds found in cannabis that belong to a class of molecules called cannabinoids. Of these compounds, CBD and THC are usually the most recognised and studied.

CBD and THC levels often vary between different strains and varieties of cannabis. By using selective techniques, breeders have managed to create varieties with high levels of CBD and THC.

CBD is now known as the cannabinoid with the widest array of medicinal properties. Unlike THC, CBD has non-psychoactive effects so has gained more widespread reputable acclaim as a genuine alternative medicine:

– Various studies have indicated that CBD has Antiemetic properties, combating nausea, migraines and vomiting. A Canadian based report indicated that manipulation of cannabinoid receptors using CBD suppressed the severe nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients, far more effectively than any available pharmaceutical drug.

– A 2010 report discovered anti-depressant properties linked to CBD. Tests on animal models revealed that CBD had the same anti-depressant effects as Imipramine, a popular pharmaceutical anti-depressant medicine, without the potentially life-threatening side effects.

– A vast array of research on CBD and its relationship with cancer has concluded that the cannabinoid has potentially life saving anti-cancer and anti-tumoral properties. An in vitro study revealed that CBD induced programmed cell death in breast cancer independent of the (once considered necessary) CB-1 and CB-2 receptors. Further research into colon cancer revealed the chemopreventative properties of CBD in a mouse model. Combined with popular investigative compound Azoxymethane, CBD was found to prevent pre-malignant and malignant tumours in the colon.

– Many studies suggest that CBD has may have anti-oxidant properties. However, the most conclusive report published indicates that despite it having no side effects on patients, even in large doses, it remained inactive at the NDMA receptor (the most predominant molecular device for controlling memory) meaning that it could not be used as a long term neuroprotective agent. However, the study did recognise its ability to treat other ailments such as Glaucoma and Seizures.

– A 2009 study explained the anti-covulsant properties of CBD in animal models. “CBD (100 mg/kg) exerted clear anticonvulsant effects with significant decreases in incidence of severe seizures and mortality compared with vehicle-treated animals.” CBD also worked independently of the CB-1 receptor during these clinical trials, increasing its validity as a genuine anti-epileptic drug for clinical seizures.

Public interest in CBD was stimulated by a CNN report on medical marijuana by Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Previously a cynic on medical marijuana, Dr. Gupta acknowledged having been conditioned by government propaganda. Gupta presented the story of a 5-year-old girl, Charlotte Figi, who suffered frequent epileptic seizures from a rare disease known as Dravet’s syndrome. Conventional treatment having failed, Charlotte’s condition radically improved after she was treated orally with an extract of CBD-rich cannabis.